NEW DELHI: "What does an Olympic gold medal mean to you?" Deepika Kumari listened intently and smiled as sportspersons sitting on the dais with her talked about their preparations for the London Games. When her turn came, the normally-confident archer suddenly looked lost for words. She composed herself soon and said: "You people know better what it means. I can't explain it... it's my dream, my life since I picked up a bow and arrow."

Ranked No. 1 in the world, the Ranchi girl said the ranking meant nothing much to her. "World ranking gives me confidence, but I am not so happy with just this. I'll be happy if I can win a medal in London," the 18-year-old said, flashing the trademark dimple in her cheek. "I am focusing on my training and working on my technique. In archery, even small errors can make a huge difference," she said at a send-off ceremony for Samsung India's 'Olympic ratnas'.

Deepika wants to emulate the Koreans in London. "Korea and China will be tough competitors. Koreans always win medals at the Olympics. I have to take it away from them."

Also present at the function was veteran shooter Manavjit Singh Sandhu, who offered a piece of advice to first timers like Deepika and fellow shooter Ronjan Sodhi. "First Olympics is where you have to control your nerves the most," Manavjit said.

Now going for his third Olympics, Sandhu finds himself in a better place in terms of experience. "Every day, ever month, every year is different in a sportsman's life. Twelve years down the line I feel like a different shooter. I have grown in experience and am far more prepared to deal with Olympics," he said.

The trap shooter, however, refrained from commenting on the number of medals the Indian contingent can win. "The performance graph has improved since 2004 Athens Olympics... We will put up a better performance overall. The entire contingent feels more professional. The country is looking as us to win something after our performance in Beijing and Athens. It may be only 24 days for the Games to begin but to us it sounds like a long time and we have got a lot of work to do," Sandhu said.

Shooter Gagan Narang, also going for his third Olympics, said it's been a long journey since 2004. "Olympics is everyone's dream. We know what's coming. We have come a long way. All I can say after representing the country twice already (2004 & 2008) is that I have better control keys," the 10m Air Rifle shooter said.

Unlike Sandhu and Narang, double trap shooter Sodhi will take his first shot at an Olympic medal. Sodhi, who became the first Indian to defend his World Cup title in 2011, said he feels ready. "I am more excited than nervous and feel mentally ready for it," Sodhi said.

On his preparations, Sodhi said: "What I have done over the last few years has worked for me, so I am not doing anything new."

Sodhi is well aware of the expectations and the competition from the Americans and host Britain. "Everyone is capable of winning a medal. I am happy with my current form and just concentrating on my skills," he added.

India's leading boxer Mary Kom, who became the first Indian woman to qualify for Olympics, said: "My journey is nearly 12 years long. I am putting all the focus in my training. My husband has played a big role in this grind and I will give my best."

Boxer Devendro Singh, just back from a 15-day training stint in Ireland, said Korea and China will be tough competition in 49 kg category. "The Koreans and the Chinese will be tough but I believe I can beat them," he said.

Fellow boxer Vikas Krishan, who missed the training stint in Ireland in order to meet his commitment to studies, said Olympics is special as India has not won many medals. "It will be just another international tournament for me. My coaches tell me you are the best and you have to compete with yourself. I will that with me to the ring in London." Meanwhile, Samsung India, the official sponsors of Team India for London Olympics, announced a cash award of Rs 20 lakh, Rs 15 lakh and Rs 10 lakh for gold, silver and bronze medal winners respectively.